release section added

Author: prathameshnium

CHANGELOG.md

@@ -1,3 +1,4 @@
+go through [releases](https://github.com/prathameshnium/PICA-Python-Instrument-Control-and-Automation/releases) and [tags](https://github.com/prathameshnium/PICA-Python-Instrument-Control-and-Automation/tags), for the finalised released versions
 ## Instrument & Software Update Log
 ---
 ### [1.0.0] - 2025-12-15 (Initial Public Release)
@@ -186,5 +187,4 @@
 -   **June 09, 2022:** **Environment Setup & Skill Acquisition.** Due to the air-gapped nature of the laboratory computers, the initial Python environment was established by manually downloading dependencies (PyVISA, NumPy, Matplotlib) and installing them offline. This phase involved guided learning of instrument control concepts (e.g., "Python in Origin", SCPI basics) alongside specific training provided by the PI.
 
 -   **Collaboration Note:** The project's realization was significantly aided by colleagues (from UGC-DAE CSR,Mumbai) who assisted in rectifying technical issues and developing the necessary cryogenic probes and hardware fixtures required for measurements.
--   **June 2022:** **Project Ideation.** Dr. Sudip Mukherjee (Principal Investigator) proposed the initiative for laboratory automation from manual methods to Python-based control. He provided critical roadmap materials, including reference videos, instrument handling protocols, and conceptual designs for the GUI layouts and hardware integration.
-
+-   **June 2022:** **Project Ideation.** Dr. Sudip Mukherjee (Principal Investigator) proposed the initiative for laboratory automation from manual methods to Python-based control. He provided critical roadmap materials, including reference videos, instrument handling protocols, and conceptual designs for the GUI layouts and hardware integration.

README.md

@@ -262,6 +262,8 @@ python -B -m pytest --cov=pica --cov-report=term-missing -p no:cacheprovider
 
 ## Project History
 
+go through [releases](https://github.com/prathameshnium/PICA-Python-Instrument-Control-and-Automation/releases) and [tags](https://github.com/prathameshnium/PICA-Python-Instrument-Control-and-Automation/tags), for the finalised released versions
+
 PICA evolved from simple offline scripts in 2022 to a full-stack automated suite.
 
   * **v1.0.0 (Initial Public Release):** Version numbering has been reset from legacy development builds (v17.0) to v1.0.0 to standardize the package for public distribution and citation.

docs/User_Manual.md

@@ -22,11 +22,14 @@
    * [High Voltage Poling](#56-high-voltage-poling)
    * [Capacitance Spectroscopy](#57-capacitance-spectroscopy)
    * [Standalone Temperature Utilities](#58-standalone-temperature-utilities)
-6. [Common Issues & Troubleshooting](#6-common-issues--troubleshooting)
-7. [Technical Reference](#7-technical-reference)
-8. [Citation & Funding](#8-citation--funding)
-9. [Future Development](#9-future-development)
-10. [Appendix A: Project File Structure](#10-appendix-a-project-file-structure)
+6. [Releases and Versions](#6-releases-and-versions)
+7. [Common Issues & Troubleshooting](#7-common-issues--troubleshooting)
+8. [Technical Reference](#8-technical-reference)
+9. [Citation & Funding](#9-citation--funding)
+10. [Future Development](#10-future-development)
+11. [Authors & Acknowledgments](#11-authors--acknowledgments)
+12. [License](#12-license)
+13. [Appendix A: Project File Structure](#13-appendix-a-project-file-structure)
 
 <hr />
 
@@ -389,11 +392,15 @@ PICA also includes standalone utilities for monitoring and controlling temperatu
   <em>The standalone Temperature Control utility, providing a dedicated interface for managing temperature ramps and heater outputs on a Lakeshore 350.</em>
 </p>
 
-## 6. Common Issues & Troubleshooting
+## 6. Releases and Versions
+
+go through [releases](https://github.com/prathameshnium/PICA-Python-Instrument-Control-and-Automation/releases) and [tags](https://github.com/prathameshnium/PICA-Python-Instrument-Control-and-Automation/tags), for the finalised released versions
+
+## 7. Common Issues & Troubleshooting
 
 This section covers the most common issues encountered when using PICA.
 
-### 6.1 VISA Timeout Error or Resource Not Found
+### 7.1 VISA Timeout Error or Resource Not Found
 
 This is the most frequent issue and usually indicates a problem with the connection between the computer and the instrument. Follow these steps to resolve it:
 
@@ -411,15 +418,15 @@ This is the most frequent issue and usually indicates a problem with the connect
     *   Ensure you have the correct VISA backend installed (see the `A VISA Backend is Required` warning in the [Installation & Setup](#3-installation--setup) section).
     *   If using a different communication interface (e.g., switching from GPIB to USB), verify that the necessary drivers are installed and that the instrument is configured for that mode.
 
-## 7. Technical Reference
+## 8. Technical Reference
 
-### 7.1 File Naming Convention
+### 8.1 File Naming Convention
 
 To ensure data integrity and easy sorting, PICA automatically generates filenames using a standardized format. This allows for easier parsing by external analysis tools.
 Format: `[SampleName]_[Timestamp]_[Identifier].dat`
 Example: `SampleA_2025-12-04_1430_IV_Sweep.dat`
 
-### 7.2 GPIB Address Guide
+### 8.2 GPIB Address Guide
 
 PICA uses standard VISA resource strings. While the defaults below are common, users should verify their specific instrument addresses using the built-in **Instrument Scanner** or front-panel settings.
 
@@ -430,11 +437,11 @@ PICA uses standard VISA resource strings. While the defaults below are common, u
   * **Keithley 6517B:** `GPIB1::27::INSTR`
   * **Keysight E4980A:** `GPIB0::17::INSTR`
 
-### 7.3 Repository Mirroring
+### 8.3 Repository Mirroring
 
 This project is manually backed up weekly to a [GitLab repository](https://gitlab.com/prathameshnium/pica-python-instrument-control-and-automation).
 
-## 8. Citation & Open source
+## 9. Citation & Open source
 
 **Collaborative Ecosystem:**
 PICA is open-source ([MIT License](https://github.com/prathameshnium/PICA-Python-Instrument-Control-and-Automation/blob/main/LICENSE)) to foster transparency. By providing the source code, the measurement protocols become auditable, ensuring that experimental conditions are reproducible and not hidden behind a proprietary "black box." We encourage other research groups to adapt these scripts for their specific hardware configurations.
@@ -452,9 +459,9 @@ PICA is open-source ([MIT License](https://github.com/prathameshnium/PICA-Python
 }
 ```
 
-## 9. Future Development
+## 10. Future Development
 
-### 9.1 AC Resistivity (Lock-In)
+### 10.1 AC Resistivity (Lock-In)
 
 *Status: Under Development*
 
@@ -464,12 +471,12 @@ PICA is open-source ([MIT License](https://github.com/prathameshnium/PICA-Python
   * **Use Case:** Useful for distinguishing between different conduction mechanisms by analyzing the frequency response of the sample's resistance.
   * **Workflow:** The Keithley 6221 provides a precise AC excitation current, while the Lock-In Amplifier (SR830) extracts the signal amplitude and phase with high noise rejection, allowing for accurate ac resistivity measurements.
 
-### 9.2 Standalone Executables
+### 10.2 Standalone Executables
 
 In the future, We also plan to develop executable (`.exe`) versions of the PICA software suite. This will remove the need for users to manage Python environments and dependencies, further simplifying the setup process and facilitating rapid adoption in laboratories.
 
 
-## 10. Authors & Acknowledgments
+## 11. Authors & Acknowledgments
 <p align="center">
   <img src="../pica/assets/LOGO/UGC_DAE_CSR_NBG.jpeg" alt="UGC DAE CSR Logo" width="150">
 </p>
@@ -481,10 +488,10 @@ In the future, We also plan to develop executable (`.exe`) versions of the PICA
 ### Funding
 Financial support for this work was provided under SERB-CRG project grant No. CRG/2022/005676 from the Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF).
 
-## 11. License
+## 12. License
 
 This project is licensed under the MIT License - see the [LICENSE](https://github.com/prathameshnium/PICA-Python-Instrument-Control-and-Automation/blob/main/LICENSE) file for details.
-## 12. Appendix A: Project File Structure
+## 13. Appendix A: Project File Structure
 
 For developers and advanced users, the following reference outlines the PICA directory structure (v1.0.0).